‘Lady’ Big; ‘Fairlane’ Flat

The snow vanished, the temperature rose and so did the collective boxoffice. Session’s big noise was Touchstone’s “Three Men And A Little Lady,” which shot up from a terrific first frame to a tremendous second per a 291-screen total of more than £3 million (over $5.9 million). What recession?

Of the major studio preems, Fox’ “Miller’s Crossing” on a limited 10-screen bow (five in London) kicked off promisingly, but same distrib’s “The Adventures Of Ford Fairlane” had a flat getaway via 38 venues.

“Kindergarten Cop” registered a solid third turn that almost matched its second. Helped by Oscar noms, “Dances With Wolves,” still confined to London, also improved in its second lap after a socko first.

“The Grifters” and “Postcards From The Edge” likewise held fine, latter pic now breaking wide. And subtitled “Cyrano de Bergerac” remained hotsy through its sixth on 17 screens, scoring best in the capital.

Another newie, Entertainment’s “Men At Work” pickup, was soft in London, more satisfying in the sticks via total of 95 cinemas. “I Hired A Contract Killer” had an acceptable two-screen launch for distrib Electric Cinema.